On the other side is Achray Forest. What with area's of Scotland being under the maintenance of the Forestry Commission, you can't walk far without noticing large swathes of woodland missing from the hills. Besides this minor inconvenience, the Scottish scenery is still very picturesque and beyond words.
Reaching the edge of the forest, it soon dawned on my how large this forest was going to be!
This woodland was dark and dense...
But why should that scare me? We were in the middle of Scotland, wolves and bears are extinct in this country and highway men certainly no longer exist!
On wards and upwards as they say!
There came a point in the walk were clusters of trees had collapsed in the wind and dragged others down with them. Large upturned roots created a natural barrier between us and our way forward.
Reaching our first opening, the extent of the Forestry Commissions work was apparent.
Creating clearings such as this, ensures new growth from other plants and saplings from the trees themselves, have a successful chance to flourish. The trees they cut down are used in furniture manufacturing and carpentry and the twiggy bits, are left to rot and fertilise the soil.
If the Forestry Commission didn't carry out this sort of work, the soil will lose valuable nutrients which trees and other such plants need to grow.
Reaching the top of one of the few hills, we paused, caught our breath and bearings, and admired what Scotland had to offer. The Heather was out and blooming and the weather actually not that bad!
Retreating from the hill and Achray Forest as a whole, we made our way back towards the 'big house' but first, time to admire Tigh Mor from across Loch Achray.
What a stunning view!
After olot of discovering and sight viewing, it was time for the quiz night held in the family room.
We drunk orange juice from wine glasses and I made a new friend!
After the quiz, we thought it best to unwind by watching a film and drinking hot chocolate.
Yum!
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